is there a way to execute a function when I have its name in a string

Question

Consider I have a name of a function which does not require any argument in a var -

var fn = "foo";

Can I execute it in some or similar like this -

eval(fn);

It does not work. Please suggest.

My definition of function will look like this -

function foo() {
  ....do something....
}

There are other ways to decide on a function at runtime. Do you absolutely need the name in a string? — michaelb958--GoFundMonica, Apr 24 '13 at 04:54

mplungjan · Answer 1 · 2013-04-24T05:15:17.013

1

Please do not use eval.

If the function is in global scope, simply do

var fn = "foo";
window[fn]();

edited Apr 24 '13 at 05:15

answered Apr 24 '13 at 05:04

mplungjan

score -2 · Accepted Answer · edited Oct 25 '13 at 04:43

-2

try this

eval(fn)();

or this

eval(fn + "()");

edited Oct 25 '13 at 04:43

Naveed Butt

answered Apr 24 '13 at 04:53

gurvinder372

1

eval is considered evil. It will work but is not necessary and should be avoided – mplungjan Apr 24 '13 at 05:04
1

@mplungjan, I guess I know you from EE days :). Anyways, eval is evil if the string to be evaluated is entered by user, otherwise it should be fine barring the fact that string will be compiled and then executed. – gurvinder372 Apr 24 '13 at 05:10
1

Sure - but it is better to never use it than to use it instead of a more appropriate method - and yes, we know each other ;) – mplungjan Apr 24 '13 at 05:12

2 Answers2